FIR.ST IRON CLAD 
NA\5VL DNGAGBMENT 

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S^MEiaaMAC-VIIlGINIA 

C.sS.N. 

S?iEmCSSON MONITOR 

U. •S.N. 

HAMPTON ROADS 

MARCH 8 & 9, >8 6 2. 



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Iron^CIali J^abal €nsagement 

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HISTORY OF FACTS OF 
THE GREAT NAVAL BATTLE 

BETWEEN 

THE MERRIMAC-VIRGINIA, C.S.N. 

AND 

THE ERICSSON MONITOR, U. S. N. 

Hampton Roads, 
March 8 and 9, 1862. 



E. V. WHITE, Portsmouth, Virginia. 

Late of Georgia. 



UBHARYofCONGREsri 
Two Ooples Received j 

PlC i3 1906 

•% Cpoyrleht Entry 
cuss ^ XV,., No, 



Copyright, 1906. by 
E.V.White. 







#. \ 



1 •• Mt-rriinar" destroyed at llic buriimy; of the Norfolk , 4 " \'iri;iiiia " sinking- the "Cumberland," Mareli 1 

Navy Var<l. A])ril itjih. 1S61. iSr>_'. 

2 " Merriniac " in dry dock, being converted into tlie iron 5 " \'irginia" engaged in battle with the •' Monitor. 

battery '• \'irginia." Hampton Ivoads, March 9th, 1S62. 

3 " Virginia" passing I'ort Norfolk. M.irrh Stli. 1862. 6 Destruction of the "\'irginia." May iith. 1S62, 

7 K. v. White, of Ilngineer Corps, in Confeilerate Naval uniform, taken Feb. 25th, 1862. 
The above views (Nos. 1-6) are taken from original oil paintings by .Mr. B. A, Ivichardson, of Norfolk, \'a. 



xfotetDorti, 



Were the present a period of war between the States, we could readily 
appreciate the interest of an occasion for this Issue. In that event, the novelty 
of the new instrument of destruction — the Iron-Clad — would intensely in- 
terest the military student, and the skill and courage manifested by the com- 
batants would stir the enthusiasm and call forth the patriotism of the reader. 

But this is an era not of strife, but of peace. It is a time of good-will. 
No conflict between the sections now exists. The former foemen are 
brethren. The alarms and woes of battle have all passed away. Peace 
smiles upon a united people, and hallows the Star Spangled Banner, 
the common flag of an undismembered country and an unruptured union. 

What, under such conditions, is the propriety of a discussion like the 
present? Certainly we do not purpose breeding discord between the lately 
contending communities. 

As citizens of a government which has aptly and happily been described 
as an "Indissoluble union of indestructible states" we may contemplate the 
historic battles of our Civil War as most impressive manifestations of the 
patriotism, valor and wonderful resources of the participants therein. And 
on an Issue hke the present we shall find something to inspire love of coun- 
try, and admiration for and confidence in the communities that make up 
the composite people of our great nation. 

The principal value of my book is that I purpose stating what occurred 
under my own observation, and my description of this historic naval engage- 
ment will be the story of both a witness and a participant. As far as oppor- 
tunity made me a competent witness, and my memory has presei-ved the 
integrity of the facts, the description will be trustworthy. 

I have Introduced In my description some elements that are personal 
to myself, which seemed to me to add to the value of the statement — in some 
measure to be necessary to it. 

My command, the City Light Guard, of Columbus, Ga., arrived In 
Portsmouth, Va., Monday morning, April 21st, 1861. The Navy Yard 
was burned and destroyed April 19th, two- days before our arrival. We 
were quartered at the Naval Hospital, and on the day of arrival I visited 
the Navy Yard and there looked upon the smoking, smouldering remains 
of the "Merrimac," upon whose hull was subsequently erected the great 
naval wonder of the world, the Iron-Clad "Virginia." That you may more 
intelligently consider the subject of this issue, I give, briefly, the history, 
dimensions and other particulars of this famous ship. 

The Author. 



History of the " Merrimac- Virginia." 

and six 9-inch Dahlgren smooth-bore broadside guns. Her commander 
was Commodore Franklin Buchanan, one of the bravest and ablest 
officers of the old service. Her second in command was Lieut. Catesby Ap. 
R. Jones, distinguished both for ability and great gallantry. Her crew 
numbered 350, most of whom had volunteered from the army for the occa- 
sion, and the emergencies of the service allowed little time for either testing 
her engines or drilling her crew. 

Early in December, '61, I conceived the idea of becoming one of the 
number who should test the qualities of this mighty engine of destruction. 
I made application for the position desired, received my appointment, 
January i6th, 1862, and tn-o days thereafter reported for duty. Thence- 
forth, until her tragic end, the "Virginia" was my companion, and I watched 
her growth and completion, and all the stirring incidents in her brief but 
wonderful career, with a profound interest. 

My position was that of junior engineer, and I was placed on the gun- 
deck in charge of the engine-room gong and the speaking-tube, through 
which the engineers on duty could be reached. Commodore Buchanan and 
Chief Engineer Ramsey termed me their aide, and as such I conveyed all 
orders from the officers in charge to the engine-room, both for the work- 
ing of the engines and the sending of hot shot to the gun-deck. I pray 
pardon for thus alluding to myself, but find such reference necessary that 
you may understand the ground upon which I claim more than ordinary 
facilities for observing the events that characterized this memorable battle, 
having five port-holes for observation. 

Finally the great ship was reported ready for duty, and well do I re- 
member the words that fell from the lips of our Commander, Commodore 
Buchanan, who had but recently taken charge — his words completely off- 
setting several well-circulated reports then current regarding both himself 
and the ship. He told us not to mistrust him ; that he intended to do his 
duty, and expected the same from one and all on board. (I allude to the 
report concerning the possible conduct of the two brothers now soon to 
meet in deadly battle, and the statement that the concussion of the shots 
would deafen all on board our ship. Commodore Buchanan's brother was 
an officer on the U. S. S. Cumberland.) 

At, or about, 12 o'clock, March 8th, 1862, the "Virginia" cast loose 
from the wharf at the Navy Yard and steamed slowly to the work of the 
day, passing down Elizabeth River, saluted by our batteries and cheered 
by the citizens and soldiers, who lined every available point on both sides 
of the river to witness the initial engagement of this new idea war-ship, 
the result of which was eagerly awaited by the whole world; for never had 
there been a bolder attack than was about to be made that day. Passing 



History of the " Merrimac- Virginia." 

through the obstruction at Craney Island, she headed directly for Newport 
News, where the U. S. S. "Cumberland" and U. S. S. "Congress" lay riding 
at anchor, bloclcading James River. The day was beautifully calm and clear, 
and nothing in the tranquil scene gave indication of the mortal and bloody 
conflict soon to be enacted. Ere she reached these ships several large 
Men-of-War started from Old Point to the help of their sister ships; 
among them the "Minnesota," which grounded near Newport News point. 
The "Congress" was the first to fire, with a full broadside, upon our ship, 
followed by the "Cumberland," and from the latter's shot the hog chain 
was parted and driven back into our ship, killing one man and wounding 
several others. Every available Federal gun that coiild be brought to bear 
on the "Virginia" opened tire. Reserving her tire until within easy range, 
the "Virginia's" bow rifle was tired with terrible eft'ect; and, as has been 
frequently stated, opened a hole in the "Cumberland" large enough for a 
horse and cart to drive through. We made directly for the latter vessel. 
When at probably fifty yards distance, with slackened speed, but with de- 
termined purpose, we moved on towards the gallant ship, and struck her 
the deadly blow, but with little jar to the "Virginia," backing our engines 
at once until we had cleared the disabled vessel. A shot from the "Con- 
gress" struck the muzzle of one of our broadside 9-inch Dahlgren guns, 
breaking oft about two feet of it, killing one man and wounding a few 
others. Reversing our engines we passed the "Cumberland," which, though 
now sinking, was bravely fighting her guns and exhibiting a heroism worthy 
of all praise, and which entitled her to the renown that has since that day 
been attached to her name. 

We then moved up the James River to a place of easy turning for 
our ship, and started back, being joined in the meantime by the James River 
fleet, consisting of several steamers. Then, with probably one hundred 
guns firing upon us from various points, we came within two hundred yards 
of the now grounded "Congress," upon which we opened fire. After we 
had delivered several well-directed shots that sent destruction to that ship, 
and many souls to their eternal home, she (the "Congress") hoisted the 
white flag, and all tiring ceased. Arrangements were then commenced for 
receiving the surrender and removing the dead and wounded from both the 
enemy's ship and our own. While our officers were aboard the "Con- 
gress," and many on the upper deck of the "Virginia," exposed because of 
the Federals' white flag — which was a signal for help — being displayed, 
the enemy opened fire from the shore battery upon us, wounding many, 
amongst them Commodore Buchanan, shot through the thigh, and Lieut. 
Minor, shot through the side. Our boats were ordered to clear the "Con- 
gress," and Commodore Buchanan turned the command of our ship over to 



History of the " Merrimac- Virginia." 

Lieut. Catesby Ap. R. Jones, and instructed him to set fire to tlie "Con- 
gress." 1 received orders for three hot shot, and soon that vessel was in' 
flames. The "Cumberland," the while, had gone down beneath the waters 
of the James, taking with her in that awful plunge many who had gallantly 
remained at their posts of duty. 

It being now nearly dark, and the work of transferring the dead and 
wounded, to be conveyed to the naval hospital, being completed, we steamed 
over to the buoy at Sewell's I'oint, and came to anchor for the night. As 
one of the unfortunate ones at being on first watch, with so little rest, I 
was only compensated for the performance of this arduous duty by wit- 
nessing the grand and impressive sight of the explosion of the "Congress" 
later in the night — a scene too solemnly beautiful to attempt to describe. 

It will increase your interest in this connection to know the estimate 
of the iirst day's fight of the "V'irginia" by our adversaries, and to be in- 
formed of the panic created at the North. I beg leave, therefore, to in- 
troduce several statements. P'irst, regarding the impression at Washing- 
ton and the North, relative to the battle, as described in the letter of a 
Washington correspondent : 

"The swift work done by the 'Merriinac' on this occasion spread 
consternation throughout the Northern States. The blockade of the 
Atlantic Coast maintained at that time could not last long before this 
might)' and invulnerable engine of destruction. New York, Boston 
and Washington would soon be threatened. The most alarming crisis 
of the Civil War was at hand. As the sun went down that night over 
Hampton Roads every Union heart in the fleet and in the fortress 
throbbed with despair. There was no gleam of hope. The 'Merri- 
mac' was impervious to balls, and could go where she pleased. In the 
morning it would be easy work for her to destroy our whole fleet. She 
could then shell Newport News and Fortress Monroe at her leisure, set- 
ting everything combustible in flames, and driving every man from the 
guns. As the news of the terrible disaster was flashed over the coun- 
try by the telegraph wires all faces wore an expression of consternation. 
The writer was in Washington at the time. Congress was in session. 
The panic cannot be described. There was absolutely nothing to pre- 
vent the 'Merrimac' from ascending the Potomac and laying the capital 
in ashes, providing there was suflicient depth of water to float the 
steamer, and no one knew whether there was this depth or not, for 
no one knew the draft of the 'Merrimac' Baltimore, Philadelphia, 
New York, Boston and Portland were in a state of terror. 'The 
'Merrimac' could laugh at forts,' says Abbott, in his history. 



History of the " Merrimac- Virginia," 

"The experiment of an hour had wrought an entire change in 
naval architecture and in defensive fortifications throughout the world. 
Wooden frigates had almost ceased to be of any value. The blow 
which sunk the 'Cumberland' demolished also the fleets of England 
and France. All navies went down with that frigate into the abyss 
together. It is not too much to say that such a night of anxiety, of 
terror, of bewilderment, as followed the triumphant return of the 
'Merrimac' to her anchorage behind Craney Island, this world has 
seldom witnessed before." 

Second, the battle as it appeared to an eye-witness who stood upon 
the shore and within the Federal lines at Old Point. This eye-witness from 
Fortress Monroe thus touchingly describes the scenes which transpired and 
the emotions which were excited on that eventful Saturday night : 

"That morrow! How anxiously we waited for it! How much 
we feared its results! How anxious our Saturday eve of preparation! 
At sundown there was nothing to dispute the empire of the seas with 
the 'Merrimac,' and had a land attack been made by Magmder then, 
God only knows what our fate would have been. The 'St. Lawrence' 
and the 'Minnesota' aground and helpless, the 'Roanoke' with a broken 
shaft — these were our defenses by sea; while on land we were doing 
all possible to resist a night invasion, but who could hope that these 
would have much efficiency ! Oh ! What a night that was ; that night I 
never can forget. There was no fear during its long hours — danger, 
I find, does not bring that — but there was a longing for some inter- 
position of God and waiting upon Him, from whom we felt our help 
must come, in earnest, fervent prayer, while not neglecting all the 
means of martial defense He had placed in our hands. Fugitives 
from Newport News kept arriving; ladies and children had walked 
the long ten miles from Newport News, feeling that their presence 
only embarrassed their brave husbands. Sailors from the 'Congress' 
and 'Cumberland' came, one of them with his ship's flag bound about 
his waist, as he had swum with it ashore, determined the enemy should 
never trail it in dishonor as a trophy. Dusky fugitives, the contra- 
bands, came mournfully fleeing from a fate worse than death — slavery. 
These entered my cabin hungry and weary, or passed it in long, sad 
procession. The heavens were aflame with the burning 'Congress.' 
The hotel was crowded with fugitives, and private hospitality was 
taxed to the utmost. But there were no soldiers among the flying host; 
all in our camps at Newport News and Camp Hamilton were at the 
post of duty, undismayed and ready to do all and dare all for their 



History of the " Merrimac-Virginia." 

country. The sailors came only to seek another chance at the enemy, 
since the bold 'Cumberland' had gone down in the deep waters and 
the 'Congress' had gone upward, as if a chariot of fire to convey the 
manly souls whose bodies had perished in that conflict upward to 
heaven. I had lost several friends there; yet not lost, for they are 
saved who do their duty to their country and their God, as these 
had done. We did not pray in vain. 

"The heavy night hung dark the hills and waters o'er, but the 
night was not half so heavy as our hearts, nor so dark as our pros- 
pects. All at once a speck of light gleamed on the distant wave; it 
moved; it came nearer and nearer, and at lo o'clock at night the 
'Monitor' appeared. 'When the tale of bricks is doubled, Moses 
comes !' I never more firmly believed in special providences than at 
that hour. Even skeptics for the moment v.-ere converted, and said: 
'God has sent her!' But how insignificant she looked; she was but a 
speck on the dark blue sea at night, almost a laughable object by day. 
'l"he enemy called her a 'cheese-box on a raft,' and the comparison is a 
good one. Could she meet the 'Merrimac?' The morrow must deter- 
mine, for, under God, the 'Monitor' is our only hope." 

Just here, also, permit me to introduce an account by this same eye- 
witness of the second day's engagement. This account, though written in 
thrilling words, is not in accordance with the actual facts, as I shall show 
later on in my owii description of this day's fight. 

"The 'Merrimac,' in her attempt to run down the 'Monitor,' 
failed entirely. She struck her antagonist fairly and at full speed, 
causing, however, but a slight jar. By the collision the prow of the 
'Merrimac' was broken and her mail cut through by the sharp edge 
of the 'Monitor,' causing a bad leak. In the desperation of the fight 
the ships closed, actually touching sides, hurling shot and shell at 
each other with demoniac energy'. But these cast-iron missiles glanced 
or crumbled to powder. The rebel 'Yorktown' at once atteinpted to 
interfere. A single 170-pound shot from the 'Monitor' passed through 
the traitor and sent him home to have his wounds bandaged. The con- 
test was for a time so hot, the muzzles of the hostile guns almost touch- 
ing each other, that both ships were enveloped in a cloud of smoke, 
which no eye could penetrate. Flash and thunder-roar burst forth in- 
cessantly from the tumultuous maelstrom of darkness, and solid balls, 
weighing 170 pounds, glancing from the armor, ricochettcd over the 
water in all directions for one and two miles. Such bolts were never 
hurled from the fabled hands of Jupiter Olympus. 



History of the " Merrimac- Virginia." 

"Thus the duel raged with unintermitted fury for four long hours. 
The 'Monitor,' at but a few yards' distance, steamed around her foe, 
planting a ball here and a ball there, eagerly searching to find some 
vital spot. She tried her rudder, her sides, her screw, just above the 
water line, just below the water line. In some of these efforts she was 
successful, and at length three gaping holes were visible and the 'Merri- 
mac' was evidently sinking. The rebel luas zi-fiipped; and firing his 
last gun, turned to run away. Unfortunately, just at that moment, 
as Lieutenant Worden was looking out at the iron grating of the pilot- 
house, a loo-pound shot struck point-blank upon the grating, just be- 
fore his eyes. The concussion knocked him prostrate and for the 
moment senseless. He was also entirely blinded by the minute frag- 
ments of iron and powder driven into his eyes, an injury which it was 
almost impossible to get over. This occasioned momentary confusion, 
until the command was assumed by Lieutenant Green. The 'Merri- 
mac,' which had entered the conflict with a spirit so proud and defiant, 
was now limping on the retreat thoroughly whipped and humiliated. 
As so much depended upon the single 'Monitor,' it was not deemed 
wise to expose her to any risks not actually necessary. She had, there- 
fore, received orders to act strictly on the defensive, and by no means 
to leave the immediate vicinity of the fleet. She, however, pursued 
her disabled foe a short distance, throwing into her a few parting 
military benedictions and then left her to seek refuge in her rebel 
anchorage. As Lieutenant Worden after a time revived from the 
stunning blow he had received, his first question was : 'Have I saved 
the "Minnesota"?' 'Yes,' was the reply, 'and whipped the "Merri- 
mac." ' 'Then,' he rejoined, 'I care not what becomes of me.' " 

The above is miswritten history, and no facts justify such statements; 
they have misled our country. 

The next morning (Sunday, March 9th) after an early breakfast, a 
consultation was held, the command having devolved on the gallant, able 
and courageous Catesby Ap. R. Jones, than whom none deserved more 
honor for bravery and cool daring, and under whose supervision, as execu- 
tive officer, the construction of the armament of the ship was completed. It 
was decided to complete the destruction of the now almost abandoned 
"Minnesota," even while our ship was taking water freely at the opening 
in her bow, caused from the loss of the cast-iron prow left in the "Cumber- 
land" when we ran into her. Our pumps had been kept busy during the 
night relieving the ship of water. However, we got under way, making 
for the "Minnesota," when suddenly we grounded on what is known as the 



History of the " Merrimac-Virginia." 

Middle Ground of Hampton Roads, and there we stuck for two or three 
hours. But before we had grounded, the "iMonitor" was discovered com- 
ing out from where the "Minnesota" lay aground, appearing to us, as she 
has been called, "a cheese-box," or a "tin can on a shingle." It was not 
long beiore she was recognized as the Ericsson "Monitor," and we opened 
fire upon her with our bow-rifle, but with no effect. Straight on she came 
toward us, and when in good position let loose her heavy guns, giving us a 
good shaking up. '1 hus she continued circling around us, and every now 
and then throwing the heavy missiles against our sides. We, in response, 
as she passed around, brought every gun aboard our ship to bear upon her. 
It was now "Greek meeting Greek;" iron against iron. Hundred-pound 
shot rattled against the mailed and impenetrable sides of the combatants 
in this tremendous duel and glanced off like hail Never before had ships 
met carrying such heavy guns. From both vessels the firing was executed 
with great rapidity and with equal skill, with but little effect on either side. 
However, our weak points seemed to be known to tlie com.mander of the 
"Monitor," and so well did he attack these, that soon on the starboard 
midship, over the outboard delivery, he so bent in our plating that the 
massive oak timbers were cracked, and from this and the continued ricochet 
shots of the "Minnesota" considerable concern was beginning to be felt by 
our commander and all on board. Soon, however, we were relieved, by the 
moving of our ship, from the position which, for such tr)'ing minutes, we had 
occupied. Then, with a settled determination on the part of our commander 
to run the "Monitor" down, as a last resort, seeing that our shots were in- 
effective, I was directed to convey to the engine room orders for every man 
to be at his post. We caught and did run into the "Monitor," and came 
near running her under the water; not that we struck her exactly at right 
angles, but \vith our starboard bow drove against her with a determination 
of sending her to the bottom, and so near did we come to accomplishing 
our object that from the ramming, and shot of our rifle gun that blinded 
her commaiuler, she withdrew to shoal water near the "Minnesota," whence, 
by reason of our heavy draft, we could not follow — never again to offer or 
accept battle with the "Virginia." After waiting on the ground of our vic- 
tory, without any signs of her return, for possibly an hour or more, we 
steamed up to the Navy Yard, receiving the shouts and huzzas of the thou- 
sands of our people who had witnessed our great triumph. 

I wish to emphasize the facts just related of the purposed collision with 
the "Monitor" and our desire to repeat it, and of her withdrawal from the 
field, and her refusal then or thereafter to engage in battle with the "Vir- 
ginia," notwithstanding this statement is in positive contradiction of the 
theory generally accepted at the North, and even published in the school 



History of the " Merrimac- Virginia." 

histories of to-day. An incident on this point will illustrate the prevalence 
of an incorrect record of the case. Some jears ago, when in New York, 
I visited the cyclorama illustrating this light, then on exhibition. When, dur- 
ing the course of his lecture on the subject tO' the spectators, the manager 
made statements that were not facts, I interrupted him and called his atten- 
tion to the same. He asked me v>hat i knew about it. I answered that I 
vvMS an officer on board the "Virginia," and he politely requested an inter- 
view with me. After finishing his talk he came to me and said he was v/ell 
aware of the errors he was circulating, but that in order to make his show 
popular he was forced to state what he did. 

By 4 o'clock we were back in the dry dock at the Navy Yard. The 
grand old ship was a picture to behold. You could hardly put your hand 
on a spot on the sides, or smokestack, that had not been battered by the 
shot of our enemy. 

Large improvements to the "Virginia" were made under the super- 
vision of Commodore Tatnall, of Georgia, who had assumed command, 
owing to the disability of Commodore Buchanan, these improvements con- 
sisting of a new wrought iron prow, port covers, etc. When completed, 
she went down to Old Point and offered battle to the "Monitor" and all the 
great wooden war-ships of the U. S. Navy, including the "Vanderbilt," 
which ship had been specially brought forward to accomplish her destruc- 
tion. We manned, carefully, four small steamers fully equipped to capture 
the "Monitor" If she came within reach, and while one or more of these 
boats might have been destroyed, so well was our late antagonist's build then 
understood, had either reached her, she would, in my judgment, have been 
captured. Neither "Monitor" nor any one of the large ships the U. S. 
Government had ordered there would come out from under the guns of 
Fortress Monroe, while one of our steamers, the "Jamestown," was sent 
in near Hampton and captured three schooners loaded with hay and grain, 
and brought them safely to Norfolk. After cruising about. In challenge for 
battle, without having it accepted, the Commodore, showing signs of dis- 
gust, ordered a gim fired to the windward, and returned to the buoy off 
Sewell's Point, and anchored for the night. The next day we came to 
Norfolk for some repairs to the boiler. A few days thereafter, having 
completed our repairs, we heard heavy firing, and received orders to go 
to the aid of our batteries at Sewell's Point that were being bombarded by 
the "Monitor" and other ships. We were soon under way and steered 
directly for the "Monitor" and others, then shelling at the Point; but as 
we approached they ceased firing and retreated below the forts, we follow- 
ing until we exchanged several shots with the Rip Raps. With consider- 
able disappointment. Commodore Tatnall ordered the ship back to her buoy 



History of the " Merrimac- Virginia." 

at Sewell's Point. The next day, or soon thereafter, we noticed our bat- 
teries were not flying our flag, and upon learning the cause we found that 
Norfolk, was being evacuated, thus ending the necessity of holding our 
present position. The next thing to do was either to go out to sea, which 
all agreed to do, if permitted, or go up the James River. Positive orders 
were received to come up to Richmond. Upon consultation with the pilots it 
was learned that if we could lighten the ship enough to let her draw four 
or five feet less, we could get over the bar. This action was agreed upon, 
and all were set to work heaving over the ballast and other articles, in 
order to bring her up to eighteen feet draught. We learned by 1 2 o'clock 
Saturday night that we could not get up the river for some reason, and now 
being exposed by having some two feet of the wooden hull out of the water, 
nothing was left but to destroy the ship, in order to keep her from falling 
into the hands of the enemy. She was then run aground, above Craney 
Island, and the work of destruction commenced. We had but two boats to 
land our large crew safely on shore; consequently we had to leave all our 
personal eftects on board the steamer. I was one of ten selected to destroy 
the ship, and held the candle for Mr. Oliver, the gunner, to uncap the 
powder in the magazine to insure a quick explosion, and, necessarily, was 
among the last to leave her decks. A more beautiful sight I never beheld 
than that great ship on fire, flames issuing from the port-holes, through the 
gratings and smokestack — the conflagration was a sight ever to be remem- 
bered. Thus closed the life, on Saturday night. May 12, 1862, of our 
gallant ship. Our crew landing Sunday morning, possibly about 4 o'clock, 
we had to march to Sufl'olk, arriving that night, having been without food 
since Saturday noon. We took the train and arrived at Richmond the next 
day, and were ordered to Drewry's Blufl, and there we prevented the enemy 
from reaching Richmond, stopping the progress of the entire fleet, including 
the "Monitor" that had refused to meet the same men when on the decks 
of the "Virginia" before her destruction. With considerable loss to them, 
and but little to us, we drove the entire fleet back down the river. 

The following minute account of the great combat by a foreigner and 
a disinterested witness should put at rest forever the oft-repeated assertion 
that the "Monitor" defeated the "Virginia." The French ship was at 
anchor between Sewell's Point and the Rip Raps; and her commander had 
a good view of all that transpired, and his plain statements conclusively 
prove that the "Monitor" did not obtain a victory over the "Virginia." 

The commander of the "Gassendi," a French man-of-war, who wit- 
nessed the combat, made a report to his government, from which the follow- 
ing are extracts: 



History of the " Merrimac- Virginia." 

"On the morning of the 8th, light breeze from the N.N.W. ; 
very fine weather; sHght ebb tide. About 12:40, a mass, having the 
appearance of a barrack's roof surmounted by a large funnel, appeared 
at the entrance of Elizabeth River, a little inside of Sewell's Point. 
Every one recognized the 'Merrimac' immediately, which, accom- 
panied by two gunboats, the 'Beaufort' and the 'Raleigh,' advanced 
slowly toward the channel of Hampton Roads. After several evolu- 
tions, executed doubtless to assure herself of the good working of her 
machinery, the 'iMerrimac' seemed for an instant to turn back toward 
Norfolk; but in a short time after she boldly started again on her 
course at an apparent speed of six knots, standing for the Federal sail- 
ing frigates 'Cumberland' and 'Congress,' anchored at the entrance of 
the James River. The two gunboats remained at the entrance of the 
Elizabeth River to watch the movement of the Federal vessels an- 
chored off Fortress Monroe. 

"The Federal naval force at the anchorage consisted of the screw 
frigate 'Minnesota,' for more than a month cleared for action, with 
steam up; of the screw frigate 'Roanoke,' also cleared for action, but 
which an inexplicable negligence had allowed to remain for four months 
with her main shaft broken, and which tried to deceive the enemy by 
a useless blowing off of steam; of the sailing frigate 'St. Lawrence,' 
which had arrived the day before to replace the 'Cumberland' at New- 
port News, and which had anchored at quite a distance outside; of 
two three-masted ships, each armed with six cannon. There were be- 
sides four gunboats, paddle-wheel or screw; half a dozen tugboats 
(each carrying a 30-pounder Parrott), and an equal number of ferry 
boats. Not one of these vessels appeared to notice the arrival of their 
formidable enemy In the Roads, and it was more than a quarter of an 
hour after her appearance that a shot fired by one of the gunboats 
announced that she was in sight. 

"At about I :30 the 'Minnesota' hoisted her jib and started at 
moderate speed, aided by a tugboat towing by the starboard side. 
The 'Roanoke,' towed by two tugboats, followed her more slowly still. 
Having arrived near the Rip Raps the 'Minnesota' stopped and ran 
out lines as though to take the 'Roanoke' in tow; but she soon appeared 
to relinquish that, and about 2 o'clock she at length started at a speed 
of seven or eight knots standing toward Newport News, where the en- 
gagement took place. Her tugboat (the 'Dragon'), then went to the 
aid of the 'Roanoke,' which continued to advance slowly, her three 
tugs being unable without great difficulty to make her stem the current. 



History of the " Merrimac-Virginia." 

"The paddle-wheel gunboat 'Whitehall' and the screw gunboat 
'Mystic,' bore off toward Newport News also, but they took a very 
minor part in the fight. As these vessels came abreast of Sewell's Point 
battery that battery opened fire on them. They replied to it; hut this 
fire at long range (about 2,500 meters), to which was added that of 
the Rip Raps, could but produce an insignificant effect. 

"About 2 :30 the 'Minnesota' ran aground on the shoals north 
of Hampton Middle Ground, a mile from Newport News. The 
Southern batteries and gunboats fired upon her at long range. The 
'Roanoke,' fearing, doubtless, to take ground also, which her want of 
speed rendered imminent, then changed her course and, spreading her 
sails, came back to the anchorage off the Fortress, where she arrived 
about 4 o'clock. The tugs went to the aid of the 'Minnesota.' The 
'Mystic' came back to the anchorage also about the same hour, and the 
frigate 'St. Lawrence,' which up to that time had steadily proceeded 
toward the scene of the engagement, imitated likewise the maneuver 
of the 'Roanoke' and 'Mystic' 

"The 'Merrimac,' however, had continued to direct her course 
toward the frigates which she wished to destroy. The two gunboats 
had rejoined her and at 2 o'clock she was at the entrance of the James 
River. She was immediately greeted by a violent cannonade from the 
two frigates and from the batteries of Newport News. The Con- 
federate battery at Pig Point replied. The fight was then hidden from 
us in a great measure by the point, which allowed us to see only the 
masts of the frigates; but we were able to estimate the force of the 
fire, which during a quarter of an hour, particularly, was of the hottest. 
We could see the entrance of the river constantly swept in all direc- 
tions by the shot that ricochetted, and the strength of the detonations 
indicated to us that they were guns of the heaviest caliber, which were 
testing the armor of the 'Merrimac' This vessel, after having deliv- 
ered a broadside at the 'Congress,' the nearest of the two frigates, 
advanced toward the 'Cumberland,' whose formidable battery might 
well be dreaded, and struck her amidships at a speed of four or five 
knots, partially breaking her ram. After drawing off two ships' lengths, 
and having delivered a second broadside at the 'Congress,' the 'Merri- 
mac' a second time rammed the 'Cumberland,' which sank almost imme- 
diately. It was then about 2 130. It would seem that this second blow 
was unnecessary. 

"The two steamers, 'Yorktown' and 'Jamestown,' which, having 
descended the James River, awaited a little higher up the moment of 



History of the " Merrimac- Virginia." 

attack, after having opened lire upon the 'Congress' in passing, ap- 
peared in Hainpton Roads and engaged in a very sharp fight with the 
two Federal gunboats and the stranded 'Minnesota.' 

"The 'Merrimac' reappeared also outside the point, fired alter- 
nately at the 'Congress' and the batteries of Newport News, while 
the Southern gunboats did likewise. Toward 3 o'clock that frigate 
hoisted her jib, sheeted home her topsails, ran forward a ship's length 
and grounded immediately on the sand banks south of the entrance 
of the river. Almost at the same instant she struck her colors, which 
she replaced by a white flag and a little later she hoisted another at 
the mainmast. 

"It was at this time that the following incident occurred, of which 
the Southern papers complain : 

"So soon as the white flag had announced to the Confederates 
the surrender of the frigate, they ceased firing and one of their gun- 
boats, the 'Raleigh,' approached her and ran alongside of her on the 
starboard side to take off the officers and to tell the crew to go ashore 
in their boats; but at the moment that the gunboat in good faith came 
alongside, the frigate guns fired by the Federals hid in the edge of 
the woods and some also from the 'Congi-ess' killed and wounded many 
officers and sailors of the 'Raleigh.' Some men, even on the 'Con- 
gress,' were struck by balls coming from the land. This incident, of 
which the Confederates have bitterly complained, has been copied by 
the majority of the Northern newspapers; not one has contradicted it. 
One of them (the Nezv York Herald, of the 14th) has, on the con- 
ti"ary confirmed it. 

"The 'Merrimac' continued to fire at the batteries of Newport 
News up to the moment that the 'Raleigh' drew off from the 'Con- 
gress' (about 4 o'clock). All of them drew near to the 'Minnesota' 
which, still aground and slightly inclined to starboard and surrounded 
by three or four gunboats, exchanged shots at long range with the 
'Yorktown' and 'Jamestown.' The 'Roanoke' was already en route for 
the anchorage. The 'St. Lawrence,' which arrived on the scene of 
action, took part but for a short time, and everything looked as though 
the resistance of the 'Minnesota' could not be prolonged. 

"However, the shallowness of the water did not permit the 
'Merrimac' to draw near to the frigate and the other vessels were of 
too slight a build to expose themselves near her powerful battery. 

"The combatants appeared, besides, exhausted by the emotions 
and fatigue of a continued sti-uggle of more than three hours. Per- 



History of the " Merrimac-Virginia." 

haps the Confederates, almost sure of taking the frigate on the mor- 
row, did not wish to damage the hull nor the machinery too much. 
However it may be, the fire slackened a great deal. About 6 o'clock it 
had entirely ceased and the vessels disappeared little by little in the 
fog which obscured the horizon. At 7:30 the 'Congress' was on fire 
and blew up at midnight with a tremendous report. The Confederates 
had succeeded, besides, in cutting out in the James River and taking 
to Norfolk the water tank 'Reindeer,' which alone supplied the fort 
and vessels with water. 

"Everything seemed desperate on the evening of the Sth, and a 
general panic appeared to take possession of everyone. The terrible 
engine of war, so often announced, had at length appeared, and in an 
hour at most had destroyed two of the strongest ships of the Union, 
silenced two powerful land batteries and seen the rest of the naval 
force, which the day before blockaded the two rivers, retreat before 
her. Several vessels changed their anchorage and all held themselves 
in readiness to stand out to sea at the first movement of the enemy. 
Eveiything was in confusion at Fortress Monroe; ferry boats, gun- 
boats and tugboats were coming and going in all directions; drums and 
bugles beat and sounded with unusual spirit. Fortress Monroe and 
the battery of the Rip Raps exchanged night signals without inter- 
mission. In spite of the assistance of half a dozen steamers, the 'Min- 
nesota' could not succeed in getting alloat again, and I learned that a 
council of war held on the subject even entertained for a moment the 
thought of burning her. Already seven or eight guns had been thrown 
overboard, and some others spiked, when about 8 :40 the 'Monitor' 
(Ericsson battery) arrived, which was to save the 'Minnesota' and the 
rest of the vessels at the anchorage. 

"The sending of this new auxiliary restored the shaken confi- 
dence. She immediately directed her course toward the place where 
the frigate was stranded and anchored beside her. The Confederate 
vessels had taken their position under Sewell's Point, and the night 
passed without incident, each one waiting with impatience the results 
of the trial of the morrow. 

"On the morning of the 9th, slight breeze from the east; very fine 
weather; light fog. 

"At daylight, at the entrance of the Elizabeth River, the Con- 
federate vessels were seen under steam, the 'Minnesota' still unmov- 
able, and to the left of her, scarcely visible, a small black mass, sur- 
mounted by a curl of smoke. 



History of the " Merrimac- Virginia." 

"At 8 o'clock the fog completely dispersed. The 'Merrimac,' pre- 
ceded by the 'J^'iiestown' and 'Yorktown,' stood for the Federal 
frigate. The lighter vessels commenced the attack, but the little black 
mass had put itself in motion and soon a cloud of smoke and the noise 
of two loud reports apprised the gunboats with whom they had to 
deal. They were then seen to abandon the attack and retire under the 
batteries of Sewell's Point, leaving the 'Merrimac' to defend alone 
the honor of their young flag. The 'Minnesota,' occupied in efforts to 
get herself afloat, only took part in the fight at long intervals, and the 
action resolved itself into a veritable duel between two batteries. They 
engaged in the fight at first at loug range, but the two enemies were 
not slow in coming together, each one striving to find the weak spot in 
the armor of her adversary. In this contest of naval tactics, entirely 
in a narrow channel of little depth, the 'Monitor,' whose draft is not 
half that of the 'Merrimac,' had an enormous advantage over the latter. 
Sure of her workings she could run at full speed, approach or retire, 
as she judged best, without fear of running aground. The Confederate 
battery, on the contrary, could not move nor perform any evolutions 
except with the greatest precaution, in spite of the evident great skill 
of her pilot. 

"At the commencement of the action she grounded and remained 
immovable for a quarter of an hour. However, the fight continued 
with an equal ardor. Several times in their evolutions the two adver- 
saries fired upon each other at a distance of a few meters, and in spite 
of their powerful batteries the projectiles bounded off perfectly harm- 
less, apparently. 

"Once the 'Merrimac' ran into the 'Monitor,' but whether her 
ram had been completely broken the day before or whether it was 
placed too high, she struck her enemy at the water-line and produced 
only a slight depression on the powerful armor plating which pro- 
tected that part. Shortly after, the flagstaff of the 'Merrimac' was 
shot away by a ball, and the tops in the Roads, as well as the ramparts 
of the fortress, saluted this accident with frantic hurrahs as a victory. 
But soon a sailor appeared on the gratings, showing at the end of a 
staff the flag which had for an instant disappeared. 

"Two or three times the Ericsson battery drew near to the 'Min- 
nesota' and stopped firing to cool her guns. The frigate then fired a 
broadside at the 'Merrimac,' which replied with energy, and one of her 
balls struck the boiler of the tugboat 'Dragon,' which, moored alongside 
of the stranded vessel, held herself in readiness to take her in tow. The 
boiler exploded, causing the 'Dragon' to sink, scalding and wounding 
several men. 



History of the " Merrimac-Virginia." 

"At length, about 12 :30, after four hours of fighting, the 'Merri- 
mac' started for SeweU's Point. 

"The 'Monitor' came up to the 'Minnesota' and a little while 
after all the Confederate flotilla returned to Norfolk. 

"During the following night the stranded frigate was gotten afloat, 
and at 2 A. M. of the 10th, one of the gunboats, which had talcen part 
in the light, the 'Whitehall,' took fire and blew up at two cable lengths 
from the 'Gassendi.' At daylight the 'Minnesota' and the 'Monitor' 
anchored in the Roads. 

"I'he 'Merrimac' appeared to me to have received 50 to 60 shot. 
The funnel was literally riddled, and the flagstaff shot away. None of 
the shot had made a very serious impression. The first iron plate of 
the armor, sometimes the second, was broken, but nowhere was the 
armor penetrated. Owing to the slope of the sides, even when the 
iron would break under the blow, there was no internal bending of the 
entire structure as nearly always happened to the Ericsson battery. The 
unbroken plate remained almost intact. However, from the concussion 
caused by two shots, one at the edge, the other below the water-line, a 
piece of wood flew off inside, but the vessel did not make water in either 
case. The sloping arrangement of the separate, and not very wide 
plates, fastened on the inside by nut-bolts, allowed the 'Merrimac' to 
be promptly repaired. 

"During the morning of the 9th a ball from the 'Monitor' parted 
her ('Merrimac's') chain a little below the hawse-hole, the anchor 
dropped and the chain, violently driven inward, seriously wounded a 
man. A gun was broken at the muzzle. They, nevertheless, continued 
to fire it without accident. 

"It is asserted that at the time of the ramming of the 'Cumber- 
land' a part of her crew leaped on the roofing of the 'Merrimac,' but 
they slid off the incline plane and the greater part were drowned. It 
is doubtless to this incident that the disappearance of 200 men from 
that ship is due. 

"The 'Monitor' was hit by 23 projectiles. Some shells were 
thrown by the 'Minnesota' at the 'Merrimac,' and they produced no 
more effect than a blow of a hammer. The balls from the 'Merri- 
mac,' especially those fired almost muzzle to muzzle, produced some 
results. Three cylindro-conical balls fired from the rifle guns made an 
Indentation nearly four inches deep on the armor plating. Two of 
them made an equally deep indentation on the inside of the turret, and 
a man leaning against the inside walls at the place receiving the blow 



History of the " Merrimac- Virginia." 

was thrown, forward and wounded. A third projectile struck one of 
the iron plates of the pilot-house and made such a depression that iron 
splinters were violently thrown off and blinded the captain, who at 
that moment was leaning his head against the plate. The other shots 
which reached the 'Monitor,' and were for the most part round, did 
not appear to me to have produced a very great effect, those especially 
which struck the sides perpendicularly; two, however, struck the side 
at the edge of the deck, lifting and tearing it, causing the iron plates 
to give way and breaking three of them. The others only produced 
insignificant effects." 

Surgeon D. B. Phillips, of the "Virginia," reported the casualties of 
the 8th as follows: 

"Flag-officer F. Buchanan wounded in the left thigh, a minle- 
ball having passed entirely through the fleshy portion, grazing femoral 
artery and inflicting a serious wound. Lieut. R. D. Minor wounded in 
the left side. Midshipman Marmaduke, slight wound on the arm. 

Killed, Charles Dunbar and Waldeck. Wounded, William 

Burkes, seaman; John Capps, Company E, 41st Regiment; A. J. Dal- 
ton. Company E, 41st Regiment; Emerson Ivas, seaman; and John 
Leonard, seaman." 

The Federal loss in the battles of the 8th and 9th of March was 201 
killed and 108 wounded — the Confederate loss, 7 killed and 17 wounded. 

On the 8th and 9th of March, 1862, the Confederate States fleet suc- 
cessfully encountered and defeated a force equal to 2,960 men and 220 
guns as follows: 

" Congress," burned, 480 men, 50 guns. 

"Cumberland," sunk, 360 men, 22 guns. 

" Minnesota," riddled, 550 men, 40 guns. 

" Roanoke," driven oiF, 550 men, 40 guns. 

" St. Lawrence," driven ofF, 550 men, 40 gum. 

Two or three gunboats, disabled, 120 men, 6 guns. 

" Monitor," iron-clad, disabled and driven off to 

shoal water, ijomen, 2 guns. 

Forts at Newport News silenced, 200 men, 20 guns. 



Officers of the "Virginia. 



Commodore Franklin Buchanan, of Maryland. 

Lieutenant Catesby Ap. R. Jones, .... of Virginia. 

Lieutenant Charles C. Simms, of Virginia. 

Lieutenant Robert D. Minor, of Virginia. 

Lieutenant Hunter Davidson, of Virginia. 

Lieutenant John Taylor Wood, of Louisiana. 

Lieutenant J. R. Egcleston, of Mississippi. 

Lieutenant Walter R. Butt, of Portsmouth, Va. 

Midshipman R. C. Foute, of Tennessee. 

Midshipman H. H. Marmaduke, of Missouri. 

Midshipman H. B. Littlepage, of Virginia. 

Midshipman W. J. Craig, of Kentucky. 

Midshipman J. C. Long, of Tennessee. 

Midshipman L. M. Roots, of Virginia. 

Paymaster, James Semple, of Virginia. 

Surgeon, D. B. Phillips, of Virginia. 

Assistant Surgeon, A. S. Garnett, .... of Virginia. 

Captain of Marines, R. T. Thom, of Alabama. 

Chief Engineer, H. Ashton Ramsey, .... of Virginia. 

Assistant Engineer, John W. Tynan, .... of Virginia. 

Assistant Engineer, Louden Campbell, ... of Virginia. 
Assistant Engineer, Benjamin Herring, ... of North Carolina. 

Assistant Engineer, E. A. Jack, of Virginia. 

Assistant Engineer, E. V. White, of Georgia, now of Portsmouth, Va. 

Boatswain, Charles H. Hasker. 

Gunner, C. B. Oliver. 

Carpenter, Hugh Lindsay. 

Clerk, Arthur Sinclair, Jr. 



Volunteer Aid, 
Captain, 
Acting Master, 
Pilot, . . 
Pilot, . . 
Pilot, . . 
PUot. . . 



Douglas F. Forrest. 

Thomas Kevill, United Artillery. 

William Parrish. 

William Clarke. 

Hezekiah Williams. 

George Wright. 

Thomas Cunningham. 

Sergeant Tabb, Signal Corps. 



^Reflections, 

I may with propriety close my simple description of the two days' battle 
of the "Virginia," with a few reliections suggested by the events that we 
have reviewed. 

Thoughtful people of the South have always claimed superiority for 
the study, mastery and application, of the principles and problems that are 
involved in our complex system of government, but they have very gen- 
erally conceded to their Eastern and Northern brethren precedence in the 
scientific studies underlying inventions and mechanical pursuits, and in the 
creation of manufactured utilities. This precedence was so generally con- 
ceded to the North that the impression obtained largely in each section of the 
country that the people of the South lacked both the disposition and the 
capacity for the scientific studies and their application to inventive and 
practical mechanical purposes. 

The popular mind was speedily disabused of this impression by the 
response that the people of the Southern States made to the unprecedented 
demands of war upon their inventive forces and their mechanical skill. Lack- 
ing machinery and the ordinary agencies of production, they put their fruit- 
ful minds and skillful hands to the raw material available, created machinery 
and constructed ships and batteries, and manufactured arms and produced 
all the conditions for maintaining and handling large and effective armies, 
as though my magic. 

Their mechanical genius and inventive skill were specially exhibited 
in the opportunity supplied when the P'ederal authorities so suddenly, and 
in my judgment so needlessly, abandoned the Portsmouth Navy Yard, with 
its rich equipment of machinery and material. Under these conditions, 
out of the burnt "Merrimac" was created the iron-clad "Virginia" — a ship 
that not only fought a great historic battle, but wrought a revolution in 
the construction of war-ships throughout the world, and supplied, practi- 
cally, the model upon which the iron-clads of all nations are built. Not the 
"Monitor," but the "Virginia" suggested the central Idea of the modem 
cruiser and modern battleship. 

Another reflection Is pertinent here. This occasion supplies an oppor- 
tunity by which we may learn the compensative side of even internecine 
strife. Antedating the Civil War there grew up an intense prejudice be- 
tween the people of the two sections. It was a growth of almost a century, 
and settled Into a positive and bitter animosity. These unfriendly feelings 
found expression In the grandest fighting and most desperate courage on 



IBRPRY OF 



CONGReSS 



each side. To the superficial observer the wounds inflictc 

healed and the gulf of separation never bridged. This " '' |j.l 3 701 "zW 

ever, was hasty and erroneous, because there were in tl ^ 

the tempers of the parties latent forces of wonderful, molli tying and cura- 
tive power, 'i'he people, North and South, were honest in their convictions, 
patriotic in their motives, and, were both unquestionably courageous. 

Harmony and peace — friendship — between such combatants demanded 
simply that they should know each other. The shock of battle taught them 
the mettle of which each was made, more thoroughly in four years than 
the touch of commerce and trade had taught them in a century, and they 
came out of the strife with more mutual respect and confidence than had 
existed between them in any period of their history. And to-day the union 
of hearts and States is more complete than at any time in our national 
life. 

In the light of such conclusions as these, and in harmony with such a 
spirit as I have suggested, I have attempted to give you a description of 
the fight between the "\'irginia" and the fleet of the United States in 
Hampton Roads in 1862. 



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